According to Slovak Defense Minister Yaroslav Nagy, Slovakia will never use MiGs again. One of these fighters is reserved for the Slovak museum, while the rest can be sent to Ukraine.
Slovakia is considering the possibility of transferring Soviet-made MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine in connection with the modernization of its Armed Forces in accordance with NATO standards. This is written by the Associated Press.
Defense Minister Yaroslav Nagy noted that the 11th MiG-29 aircraft was reserved for the Slovak museum.
It is noted that the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at the European Union summit in Brussels turned to the Prime Minister of Slovakia Eduard Heger with a request for the transfer of Soviet fighters.
If Bratislava satisfies the request of the Ukrainian leader, it will become the first NATO country to transfer aircraft to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Slovakia signed a contract for the purchase of 14 American F-16 Block 70/72 fighters, and Soviet aircraft were mothballed in the summer.
“We will never use MiGs again. They have no real value for us. If we give them to Ukraine, they will help save their lives,” Yaroslav Nagy said.
According to the Slovak Minister of Defense, strengthening Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian military aggression is absolutely in the national and state interests of his country.
“And from this point of view, I really cannot imagine that someone would reasonably think that he would not want to help Ukraine, saving human lives and strengthening our defense capability,” Nagy concluded.
It is reported that the final decision on this matter will be made within a few days or weeks.
As part of the rejection of Soviet-made weapons, Bratislava could also hand over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine the SAM-300, helicopters, thousands of missiles for Grad multiple rocket launchers and dozens of armored vehicles. In return, the Slovak army will receive American Patriot systems, German Leopard tanks and FlaGr air defense systems.
Recall that on December 8, Slovak Foreign Minister Rastislav Kachera said that his country would consider the issue of restoring the production of ammunition for the needs of the Ukrainian army. We are talking about 152 mm ammunition and 120 mm mines.
In addition, Kachera announced the allocation of a package of assistance to Ukraine. The Armed Forces of Ukraine received from Slovakia ammunition for large calibers and fighters, winter clothing and equipment.
